Differential cytokine response from dendritic cells to commensal and pathogenic bacteria in different lymphoid compartments in humans

Resident host microflora condition and prime the immune system. However, systemic and mucosal immune responses to bacteria may be divergent. Our aim was to compare, in vitro, cytokine production by human mononuclear and dendritic cells (DCs) from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to defined microbial stimuli. Mononuclear cells and DCs isolated from the MLN (n = 10) and peripheral blood (n = 12) of patients with active colitis were incubated in vitro with the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118 or Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 or the pathogenic organism Salmonella typhimurium UK1. Interleukin (IL)-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, and IL-10 cytokine levels were quantified by ELISA. PBMCs and PBMC-derived DCs secreted TNF-alpha in response to the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, and Salmonella strains, whereas MLN cells and MLN-derived DCs secreted TNF-alpha only in response to Salmonella challenge. Cells from the systemic compartment secreted IL-12 after coincubation with Salmonella or Lactobacilli, whereas MLN-derived cells produced IL-12 only in response to Salmonella. PBMCs secreted IL-10 in response to the Bifidobacterium strain but not in response to the Lactobacillus or Salmonella strain. However, MLN cells secreted IL-10 in response to Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli but not in response to Salmonella. In conclusion, commensal bacteria induced regulatory cytokine production by MLN cells, whereas pathogenic bacteria induce T cell helper 1-polarizing cytokines. Commensal-pathogen divergence in cytokine responses is more marked in cells isolated from the mucosal immune system compared with PBMCs.     

Dose-dependent immunomodulation of human dendritic cells by the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35

The response of the immune system to probiotics remains controversial. Some strains modulate the cytokine production of dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro and induce a regulatory response, while others induce conversely a pro-inflammatory response. These strain-dependent effects are thought to be linked to specific interactions between bacteria and pattern recognition receptors. We investigated the effects of a well characterized probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35, on human monocyte-derived immature DCs, using a wide range of bacterial concentrations (multiplicity of infection, MOI, from 0.01 to 100). DNA microarray and qRT-PCR analysis showed that the probiotic induced a large-scale change in gene expression (nearly 1,700 modulated genes, with 3-fold changes), but only with high doses (MOI, 100). The upregulated genes were mainly involved in immune response and identified a molecular signature of inflammation according to the model of Torri. Flow cytometry analysis also revealed a dose-dependent maturation of the DC membrane phenotype, until DCs reached a semi-mature state, with an upregulation of the membrane expression of CD86, CD83, HLA-DR and TLR4, associated with a down-regulation of DC-SIGN, MR and CD14. Measurement of the DC-secreted cytokines showed that Lcr35 induced a strong dose-dependent increase of the pro-Th1/Th17 cytokine levels (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-12p70, IL-12p40 and IL-23), but only a low increase in IL-10 concentration. The probiotic L. rhamnosus Lcr35 therefore induce a dose-dependent immunomodulation of human DCs leading, at high doses, to the semi-maturation of the cells and to a strong pro-inflammatory effect. These results contribute to a fuller understanding of the mechanism of action of this probiotic, and thus of its potential clinical indications in the treatment of either infectious or IgE-dependent allergic diseases.     

Synergistic effects of IL-4 and IL-18 on IL-12-dependent IFN-gamma production by dendritic cells

Mouse splenic dendritic cells (DCs) produce IFN-gamma in response to IL-12. In the present study, we analyzed effects of Th1 and Th2 cytokines on IFN-gamma production by DCs. IL-18 produced by DCs and macrophages acts in an autocrine manner and augments IL-12-induced IFN-gamma production by DCs as also observed in T and NK cells. Surprisingly, IL-4, a Th2 cytokine, also acts synergistically with IL-12 on IFN-gamma production by DCs. In addition, IL-4 markedly enhances IFN-gamma production when DCs are stimulated through CD40 or MHC class II. These results indicate that both Th1 and Th2 cytokines act on DCs during T cell-DC interaction upon Ag presentation. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is constitutively activated in mature DCs and is required for IFN-gamma production by DCs. IL-18 but not IL-4 or IL-12 further activates the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, suggesting that IL-4 and IL-18 enhance IFN-gamma production through distinct intracellular signal transduction pathways in DCs.     

Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol treatment suppresses immunity and early IFN-gamma, IL-12, and IL-12 receptor beta 2 responses to Legionella pneumophila infection

The marijuana cannabinoid, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), suppresses immunity to Legionella pneumophila and development of Th1 activity and cell-mediated immunity. In the current study, THC effects on cytokines regulating the development of Th1 cells were examined. BALB/c mice showed significant increases in serum IL-12 and IFN-gamma within hours of infection; however, the levels of these Th1-promoting cytokines as well as resistance to a challenge infection were suppressed by THC (8 mg/kg) injected 18 h before priming. The Th2-promoting cytokine, IL-4, was increased within hours of a Legionella infection and was further increased by THC treatment. These results suggested that THC injection suppressed the cytokine environment promoting Th1 immunity. In additional experiments, THC pretreatment and infection of IL-4 knockout mice showed that serum IL-12 and IFN-gamma were suppressed equally in both knockout and normal mice. This suggested that the drug-induced increase in IL-4 was not responsible for the decreases in serum IL-12 and IFN-gamma. However, THC treatment was shown to suppress the expression of IL-12 receptor beta 2 mRNA, indicating that, in addition to suppression of IL-12, THC injection suppressed the expression of IL-12 receptors. Finally, the role of cannabinoid receptors in Th1-promoting cytokine suppression was examined, and results with receptor antagonists showed that both cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 were involved. It is suggested that suppression of Th1 immunity to Legionella is not due to an increase in IL-4 production but to a decrease in IFN-gamma and IL-12. Furthermore, both types of cannabinoid receptors are involved.     

Augmentation of antigen-presenting and Th1-promoting functions of dendritic cells by WSX-1(IL-27R) deficiency

WSX-1 is the alpha subunit of the IL-27R complex expressed by T, B, NK/NKT cells, as well as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). Although it has been shown that IL-27 has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on T cells, little is known on the role of IL-27/WSX-1 on DCs. LPS stimulation of splenic DCs in vivo resulted in prolonged CD80/CD86 expression on WSX-1-deficient DCs over wild-type DCs. Upon LPS stimulation in vitro, WSX-1-deficient DCs expressed Th1-promoting molecules higher than wild-type DCs. In an allogeneic MLR assay, WSX-1-deficient DCs were more potent than wild-type DCs in the induction of proliferation of and IFN-gamma production by responder cell proliferation. When cocultured with purified NK cells, WSX-1-deficient DCs induced higher IFN-gamma production and killing activity of NK cells than wild-type DCs. As such, Ag-pulsed WSX-1-deficient DCs induced Th1-biased strong immune responses over wild-type DCs when transferred in vivo. WSX-1-deficient DCs were hyperreactive to LPS stimulation as compared with wild-type DCs by cytokine production. IL-27 suppressed LPS-induced CD80/86 expression and cytokine production by DCs in vitro. Thus, our study demonstrated that IL-27/WSX-1 signaling potently down-regulates APC function and Th1-promoting function of DCs to modulate overall immune responses.     

Src Homology 3-interacting Domain of Rv1917c of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Induces Selective Maturation of Human Dendritic Cells by Regulating PI3K-MAPK-NF-κB Signaling and Drives Th2 Immune Responses

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an etiological agent of pulmonary tuberculosis, causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pathogenic mycobacteria survive in the host by subverting host innate immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that are vital for eliciting immune responses to infectious agents, including pathogenic mycobacteria. DCs orchestrate distinct Th responses based on the signals they receive. In this perspective, deciphering the interactions of the proline-glutamic acid/proline-proline-glutamic acid (PE/PPE) family of proteins of M. tuberculosis with DCs assumes significant pathophysiological attributes. In this study, we demonstrate that Rv1917c (PPE34), a representative member of the proline-proline-glutamic-major polymorphic tandem repeat family, interacts with TLR2 and triggers functional maturation of human DCs. Signaling perturbations implicated a critical role for integrated cross-talk among PI3K-MAPK and NF-κB signaling cascades in Rv1917c-induced maturation of DCs. However, this maturation of DCs was associated with a secretion of high amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, whereas Th1-polarizing cytokine IL-12 was not induced. Consistent with these results, Rv1917c-matured DCs favored secretion of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 from CD4⁺ T cells and contributed to Th2-skewed cytokine balance ex vivo in healthy individuals and in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Interestingly, the Rv1917c-skewed Th2 immune response involved induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in DCs. Taken together, these results indicate that Rv1917c facilitates a shift in the ensuing immunity toward the Th2 phenotype and could aid in immune evasion by mycobacteria.     

IL-32gamma induces the maturation of dendritic cells with Th1- and Th17-polarizing ability through enhanced IL-12 and IL-6 production

IL-32, a newly described multifunctional cytokine, has been associated with a variety of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and Crohn's disease. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of IL-32γ on bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (DC)-driven Th responses and analyzed the underlying signaling events. IL-32γ-treated DCs exhibited upregulated expression of cell-surface molecules and proinflammatory cytokines associated with DC maturation and activation. In particular, IL-32γ treatment significantly increased production of IL-12 and IL-6 in DCs, which are known as Th1- and Th17-polarizing cytokines, respectively. This increased production was inhibited by the addition of specific inhibitors of the activities of phospholipase C (PLC), JNK, and NF-κB. IL-32γ treatment increased the phosphorylation of JNK and the degradation of both IκBα and IκBβ in DCs, as well as NF-κB binding activity to the κB site. The PLC inhibitor suppressed NF-κB DNA binding activity and JNK phosphorylation increased by IL-32γ treatment, thereby indicating that IL-32γ induced IL-12 and IL-6 production in DCs via a PLC/JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, IL-32γ-stimulated DCs significantly induced both Th1 and Th17 responses when cocultured with CD4(+) T cells. The addition of a neutralizing anti-IL-12 mAb abolished the secretion of IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner; additionally, the blockage of IL-1β and IL-6, but not of IL-21 or IL-23p19, profoundly inhibited IL-32γ-induced IL-17 production. These results demonstrated that IL-32γ could effectively induce the maturation and activation of immature DCs, leading to enhanced Th1 and Th17 responses as the result of increased IL-12 and IL-6 production in DCs.     

CD86 and IL-12p70 Are Key Players for T Helper 1 Polarization and Natural Killer Cell Activation by Toll-Like Receptor-Induced Dendritic Cells

Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) determine the activation and polarization of T cells via expression of costimulatory molecules and secretion of cytokines. The function of DCs derived from monocytes ex vivo strongly depends on the composition of the maturation cocktail used.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We analyzed the effect of costimulatory molecule expression and cytokine secretion by DCs on T and natural killer (NK) cell activation by conducting a head-to-head comparison of a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist-based cocktail with the standard combination of proinflammatory cytokines or IL-10 alone. We could show that TLR-induced DCs are characterized by a predominance of costimulatory over coinhibitory molecules and by high secretion of IL-12p70, but not IL-10. Functionally, these signals translated into an increase in IFN-γ secreting Th1 cells and a decrease in regulatory T cells. T cell activation and polarization were dependent on IL-12p70 and CD86, but remarkably not on CD80 signaling. By means of IL-12p70 secretion, only TLR-induced DCs activated NK cells.

Conclusions/Significance

TLR-matured DCs are highly suitable for application in immunotherapeutic strategies that rely on strong type 1 polarization and NK cell activation. Their effects particularly depend on high CD86 expression and IL-12p70 secretion.     

Role of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in BCG-induced IFN-gamma production: cytokine promotion and simulation of BCG effect

Induction of a T-helper-type 1 (Th1) immune response is indispensable for successful treatment of superficial bladder cancer with BCG. In this study possible involvement of various cytokines in BCG action as well as their potential roles in enhancing and mimicking BCG effect were explored. In immunocompetent cell cultures, IFN-gamma, a major Th1 cytokine, appears to be a late responsive cytokine to BCG stimulation. Its induction requires involvement of various endogenously produced Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Functional abolishment of any one of these cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, GMCSF, TNF-alpha, or IFN-alpha, except IL-10) by neutralizing antibodies leads to reduced IFN-gamma production (19-82% inhibition in mouse and 44-77% inhibition in human systems, respectively). In mice cytokines IL-2, IL-12, IL-18, and GMCSF are observed to synergize with BCG for IFN-gamma production, whereas in human cytokines IL-2, IL-12, TNF-alpha, and IFN-alpha exhibit similar synergistic effects. Rational combinations of these Th1-stimulating cytokines (IL-12 plus IL-18 in mice and IL-2 plus IL-12 in humans, respectively) dramatically up-regulate IFN-gamma production that is incomparably superior to BCG for induction of this cytokine. These results suggest that combined Th1-stimulating cytokines and combinations of BCG plus selected Th1-stimulating cytokines are rational candidates for further study in the treatment of bladder cancer patients.     

IL-23 is increased in dendritic cells in multiple sclerosis and down-regulation of IL-23 by antisense oligos increases dendritic cell IL-10 production

IL-23 is a heterodimeric cytokine comprising a p19 subunit associated with the IL-12/23p40 subunit. Like IL-12, IL-23 is expressed predominantly by activated dendritic cells (DCs) and phagocytic cells, and both cytokines induce IFN-gamma secretion by T cells. The induction of experimental autoimmune encephalitis, the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), occurs in mice lacking IL-12, but not in mice with targeted disruption of IL-23 or both IL-12 and IL-23. Thus, IL-23 expression in DCs may play an important role in the pathogenesis of human autoimmune diseases such as MS. We quantified the expression of IL-23 in monocyte-derived DCs in MS patients and healthy donors and found that DCs from MS patients secrete elevated amounts of IL-23 and express increased levels of IL-23p19 mRNA. Consistent with this abnormality, we found increased IL-17 production by T cells from MS patients. We then transfected monocyte-derived DCs from healthy donors with antisense oligonucleotides specific for the IL-23p19 and IL-12p35 genes and found potent suppression of gene expression and blockade of bioactive IL-23 and IL-12 production without affecting cellular viability or DCs maturation. Inhibition of IL-23 and IL-12 was associated with increased IL-10 and decreased TNF-alpha production. Furthermore, transfected DCs were poor allostimulators in the MLR. Our results demonstrate that an abnormal Th1 bias in DCs from MS patients related to IL-23 exists, and that antisense oligonucleotides specific to IL-23 can be used for immune modulation by targeting DC gene expression.     

IL-12-impaired and IL-12-secreting dendritic cells produce IL-23 upon CD154 restimulation

Experimental studies in monkeys on the basis of ex vivo-generated, reinjected dendritic cells (DCs) allow investigations of primate DC biology in vivo. To study in vitro and in vivo properties of DCs with a reduced capacity to produce IL-12, we adapted findings obtained in vitro with human cells to the rhesus macaque model. Following exposure of immature monocyte-derived monkey DCs to the immunomodulating synthetic polypeptide glatiramer acetate (GA) and to dibutyryl-cAMP (d-cAMP; i.e., a cAMP enhancer that activates DCs but inhibits the induction of Th1 immune responses), the resulting DCs displayed a mature phenotype with enhanced Ag-specific T cell stimulatory function, notably also for memory Th1 cells. Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was not induced in GA/d-cAMP-activated DCs. Accordingly, these cells secreted significantly less IL-12p40 (p < or = 0.001) than did cytokine-activated cells. However, upon restimulation with rhesus macaque CD154, GA/d-cAMP-activated DCs produced IL-12p40/IL-23. Additionally, DCs activated by proinflammatory cytokines following protocols for the generation of cells used in clinical studies secreted significantly more IL-23 upon CD154 restimulation than following prior activation. Two days after intradermal injection, GA/d-cAMP-activated fluorescence-labeled DCs were detected in the T cell areas of draining lymph nodes. When similarly injected, GA/d-cAMP as well as cytokine-activated protein-loaded DCs induced comparable Th immune responses characterized by secretion of IFN-gamma, TNF, and IL-17, and transiently expanded FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells. Reactivation of primate DCs through CD154 considerably influences their immmunostimulatory properties. This may have a substantial impact on the development of innovative vaccine approaches.     

Involvement of Toll-Like Receptors on Helicobacter pylori-Induced Immunity

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a major role in the innate immune response since they recognize a broad repertoire of PAMPs mainly via Toll-like receptors (TLRs). During Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, TLRs have been shown to be important to control cytokine response particularly in murine DCs. In the present study we analyzed the effect of blocking TLRs on human DCs. Co-incubation of human DCs with H. pylori resulted in the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12p70, IL-6 and IL-10. Release of IL-12p70 and IL-10 was predominantly influenced when TLR4 signaling was blocked by adding specific antibodies, suggesting a strong influence on subsequent T cell responses through TLR4 activation on DCs. Co-incubation of H. pylori-primed DC with allogeneic CD4⁺ T cells resulted in the production of IFN-γ and IL-17A as well as the expression of Foxp3, validating a mixed Th1/Th17 and T_reg response in vitro. Neutralization of TLR4 during H. pylori infection resulted in significantly decreased amounts of IL-17A and IFN-γ and reduced levels of Foxp3-expressing and IL-10-secreting T cells. Our findings suggest that DC cytokine secretion induced upon TLR4-mediated recognition of H. pylori influences inflammatory and regulatory T cell responses, which might facilitate the chronic bacterial persistence.     

Dendritic cells post-maturation are reprogrammed with heightened IFN-gamma and IL-10

Mature dendritic cells (mDCs) undergo "exhaustion" in producing cytokines. Nevertheless, whether this "exhaustion" of mDCs is selective to certain cytokines, or whether mDCs have specific cytokine-producing profiles has yet to be defined. Herein, we investigated the cytokine production in vitro by immature DCs (iDCs) and LPS-induced mDCs. Compared to iDCs, mDCs produced comparable levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Strikingly, mDCs produced significantly higher IFN-gamma and IL-10. IL-12 production of mDCs was suppressed. Kinetic studies of the responses of iDCs and mDCs to LPS or CD40L showed that mDCs acquired progressively heightened activity in producing IFN-gamma and IL-10. TNF-alpha-, IL-6-producing capability of mDCs was maintained. Nevertheless, IL-12 production by mDCs was not recovered at any time point. Mature DCs were potent in priming both Th1 and Th2 cells. In conclusion, upon maturation, DCs are reprogrammed with a distinct cytokine-secreting profile, which may play an important role in regulating T cell functions.     

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Mannose Sensitive Hamemagglutination Strain (PA-MSHA) Induces a Th1-Polarizing Phenotype by Promoting Human Dendritic Cells Maturation

Pseudomonas aeruginosa mannose sensitive hamemagglutination strain (PA-MSHA) is a kind of peritrichous P. aeruginosa strain with MSHA fimbriae and has been shown to activate kinds of immunocytes. Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells required for the stimulating and priming CD4⁺ T cells toward the T helper cell type 1 (Th1), Th2 and other different phenotypes. PA-MSHA effecting on Th1 remains an important missing link. Here we demonstrated that PA-MSHA augmented monocytes derived-dendritic cells (Mo-DCs) expression of HLA-DR, co-stimulatory and adhesion molecules, and induced Th1-promoting interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor α secretion, in addition, PA-MSHA treated Mo-DCs displayed lesser endocytic capacity. Furthermore, in mixed lymphocyte reactions, allostimulatory capacity of Mo-DCs was enhanced by PA-MSHA, CD4⁺ T cells stimulated by PA-MSHA -activated Mo-DCs showed a Th1-polarized cytokine production, increasing secretion of IFN-γ and decreasing secretion of IL-10 and IL-4. Our findings identified PA-MSHA as an important exogenous factor that induced DCs maturation toward a Th1-promoting phenotype.     

Spontaneous Autoimmunity in the Absence of IL-2 Is Driven by Uncontrolled Dendritic Cells

BALB/c IL-2-deficient (IL-2-KO) mice develop systemic autoimmunity, dying within 3 to 5 wk from complications of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Disease in these mice is Th1 mediated, and IFN-γ production is required for early autoimmunity. In this study, we show that dendritic cells (DCs) are required for optimal IFN-γ production by T cells in the IL-2-KO mouse. Disease is marked by DC accumulation, activation, and elevated production of Th1-inducing cytokines. IL-2-KO DCs induce heightened proliferation and cytokine production by naive T cells compared with wild-type DCs. The depletion of either conventional or plasmacytoid DCs significantly prolongs the survival of IL-2-KO mice, demonstrating that DCs contribute to the progression of autoimmunity. Elimination of Th1-inducing cytokine signals (type 1 IFN and IL-12) reduces RBC-specific Ab production and augments survival, indicating that cytokines derived from both plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs contribute to disease severity. DC activation likely precedes T cell activation because DCs are functionally activated even in an environment lacking overt T cell activation. These data indicate that both conventional and plasmacytoid DCs are critical regulators in the development of this systemic Ab-mediated autoimmune disease, in large part through the production of IL-12 and type 1 IFNs.